SOS! 5 Signs You Need Foundation Repair

Never put off needed foundation repair! The longer you ignore a cracked, weak foundation, the more damage it suffers as those cracks and leaks spread and get deeper and more pronounced. Your home might also suffer secondary damage, including cracks along walls and ceilings, bowing basement walls, buckled flooring and loose floor tiles, wood rot, and mold growth.

While timely foundation repair in Denver is vital for protecting your property and keeping repair costs low, some homeowners put off this work simply because they don’t recognize signs of foundation damage. To ensure you’re always keeping your home in good condition, check out 5 signs that it’s time to call a foundation repair contractor and schedule an inspection for potential repairs.

1. Do Wall Cracks Signal It’s Time for Foundation Repair in Denver?

Cracked walls are a common sign that it’s time for foundation repair in Denver, but those cracks are not always the result of foundation damage! Poor-quality drywall installation, water damage, and high humidity levels can all lead to wall cracks:

·       Cracks between drywall panels often result from a poor tape job during installation and not structural or foundation damage, and these cracks can be taped over and then patched.

·       Drywall absorbs humidity from the atmosphere and water from plumbing leaks behind walls, expanding and cracking as it does. If drywall seems swollen or you notice discoloration around cracked edges, look for and correct plumbing leaks and high humidity levels as needed, and then replace damaged drywall panels.

·       Large, jagged, diagonal, or zigzag cracks usually indicate foundation and structural damage. Rather than simply patching over these cracks, schedule a foundation inspection and needed repair and replace those panels.

2. Damp Basements Might Indicate Foundation Damage!

Homeowners often assume that basements or sunken lower levels are naturally damp and musty, and might ignore or dismiss trapped humidity and even standing water in those spaces. However, strong basement walls in good condition should be waterproof and no more damp or humid than any other space in the home!

A cracked and chipped foundation lets moisture into basements and lower levels, often resulting in a humid environment and standing water or dampness along basement walls and floors. Not only do those cracks need patching, but added waterproofing can keep basements and sunken rooms dry and comfortable, while also avoiding future damage!

3. What Does Mold Have to Do With Foundation Repair in Denver?

Excess moisture in the home often results in mold growth, usually along walls or underneath carpets. While a plumbing leak and poor insulation might be the cause of excess water and resultant mold, foundation damage can also mean mold in the home!

Cracked foundations let in moisture from outside the home, as said; that moisture can then collect along with a home’s framing, including wall studs and floor joists, and result in mold growth. If you have a recurring problem with mold along walls or floors, have the home checked for a plumbing leak or poor insulation; once you’ve ruled out those issues it is time to schedule a foundation inspection.

4. Door and Window Frames Sticking? Check the Foundation!

As a foundation weakens, it allows a structure to sink and settle; as it does, it pulls out of alignment. In turn, surfaces that should be straight and level also tend to sink along one side or another. While this sinking might not be discernible to the naked eye, it can result in door and window frames coming out of alignment, so doors and windows stick.

When the foundation sinks and doorjambs and window frames become misaligned, doors can even open on their own. This includes interior room doors and even cabinet doors, as those cabinets might lean inward or to one side so that their doors then swing open.

When doorjambs and window frames are misaligned, you might also notice some difficulty in working their locks! Bolts and other pieces won’t slide into place as easily when a door or window doesn’t align with its frame properly. If you notice these issues around your home or office, it’s time to schedule a foundation inspection.

5. Odd Sounds Can Mean the Foundation Needs Repairs

If you notice odd sounds in your home including creaking, squeaking, and groaning, don’t assume that the house is haunted! These sounds usually result from wood framing pieces rubbing against each other or pulling away from the connectors, often the result of a home settling on a weak foundation.

Wood rot, the result of foundation leaks letting in moisture, can also mean squeaking and cracking along walls and floors. You might especially notice these sounds coming from floorboards as you walk over them; this often indicates that the boards are loose, soft, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

As with other damage around the home, creaks and squeaks can have several other causes, including water damage due to plumbing leaks or everyday wear and tear, rusted nails and bolts, or low-quality construction materials. However, rather than ignore those sounds or assume that older homes just creak and groan naturally, schedule a foundation inspection when you notice these sounds coming from your home.

Inspections Help Avoid Unnecessary Foundation Repair in Denver

While these warning signs can alert you to potential foundation damage in your home, never wait until you notice these issues before considering needed foundation repair. Regular foundation inspections can spot damage deep in foundation concrete, even before that damage results in wall cracks, squeaky floors, and the like.

Spotting damage with a professional foundation inspection not only allows you to repair those cracks and leaks before they become severe but also reduces the risk of secondary damage! Patching or underpinning a home’s foundation ensures a strong and stable foundation, and less risk of cracks forming along walls, water damage and mold growth, and other such costly fixes.

Keep these points in mind and remember to schedule foundation repair in Denver if you should notice any of these issues around your home. You can then rest assured that the foundation is in good condition, and you’ll be less likely to see mold growth, wood rot, and other damage inside and out.